Triangle from the back

Words I Like - “Plan B isn’t second best. It’s the one that shows up when things get tough.”

Outlier Mat Minute: Triangle from the back

I looked at the current numbers on submissions from the back on the Outlier Database:

1. RNC count: 160

2. Triangle count: 18

3. Arm Bar count: 15

I share these numbers with you to provide context. The RNC is clearly the most successful, but in today’s study we are taking a closer look at triangles from the back:

• #reartriangle (#ushirosankaku): Best used when you can trap the arm and switch your hips.

  • Nicholas Meregali Example

• #anklesankaku: Great when you trap the arm but can’t switch sides or your opponent is fighting to turn back into you.

  • Dante Leon example 1

  • Dante Leon example 2

• #seatedheadandarm: The seated head and arm position is a strong in-between step. You can hold here while deciding which triangle to use.

  • Roberto Jimenez transitioning from the back to the seated head and arm.

  • If you keep them on their far hip, go for the rear triangle.

  • If they turn into you, the ankle sankaku is probably best.

Either way, lock the triangle first. Then attack the strangle or arm. This tends to lead to reliable finishes.

As promised, jiu-jitsu insights in under 1 minute!

P.S. You can search any of the #’s above on the Outlier Database to study more examples!